Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Canadian Rockies Hiking
Day 1 Arrive in Banff with Time to Explore
Arrive at your own pace in the vibrant mountain town of Banff, just a scenic 2-hour drive or shuttle from Calgary. Your comfortable accommodation is reserved for the night, and the rest of the day is yours to explore. Stroll local trails, unwind in the hot springs, browse shops and museums, or enjoy Banff's lively dining scene. No meals or activities are scheduled today. Your guides will meet the group tomorrow morning to kick off the adventure!
Accommodation: Banff Ptarmigan Inn
Day 2 Marvel at Stanley Glacier in Kootenay National Park
1.5-hour private van transfer
5 miles/3 hours hiking with 1,200' elevation gain and loss
Today's trail showcases the impressive diversity, resilience, and ancient history of the Canadian Rockies in Kootenay National Park. While Stanley Glacier is a bucket-list worthy destination on its own, your hike through the spectacular landscape along the way is equally impressive: resilient mountainsides recovering from wildfires under a colorful blanket of fireweed and lodgepole pine saplings; 500-million-year-old fossils in what's considered one of the most significant geological heritage sites on the planet; glaciers hanging from the crests of towering peaks. From the forest floor to 360-degree, wide-open vistas, your first hours of exploration provide an unending supply of awe-inspiring moments.
Accommodation: Banff Ptarmigan Inn
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Hike Yoho National Park’s Iceline Trail & See Takakkaw Falls
3.5-hour private van transfer
6-9 miles/3-4 hours hiking with 1,300'-2,000' elevation gain and loss
Created in 1886 as Canada's second national park, Yoho is home to over 507 square miles of beautiful wilderness and part of the UNESCO-listed Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks. Today's trail shows off the full grandeur of the park and is considered one of the Canadian Rockies' most scenic hikes. It's little wonder, with the trail's assortment of glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, and spectacular views. Throughout the hike you'll be treated to occasional views of 1,224-foot Takakkaw Falls. Take a short walk to stand at the foot of falls, which are the second tallest in Canada. Enjoy dinner on your own this evening back in beautiful Banff.
(B, L)
Day 4 Trek a High Alpine Paradise to Helen Lake in Banff National Park
2.5-hour private van transfer
8.6 miles/4 hours hiking with 1,800' elevation gain and loss
Start your day by visiting some of the most gorgeous lakes in the Canadian Rockies. Famous Peyto Lake wows with its turquoise blue waters, which at the right angle, resemble the head of a wolf. Your second detour is to Bow Lake, at the foot of Crowfoot Mountain and Glacier. Just across the world-famous Icefields Parkway from Bow Lake sits your trail to Helen Lake. With boots laced and cameras poised, begin your journey through spectacular subalpine wilderness, where colorful wildflowers dot vibrant green meadows and glacier-fed streams trickle under towering, jagged peaks. The 360-degree views seem endless, so take your time to truly soak in the splendor of this Rocky Mountain paradise. For those looking for an extra challenge, your guides will lead you to the summit of Cirque Shoulder for jaw-dropping panoramas.
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Hike Moraine Lake & Explore the Valley of the Ten Peaks
2.5-hour private van transfer
7-11 miles/4-6 hours hiking with 1,300- 1,800' elevation gain and loss
A visit to Banff wouldn't be complete without a visit to Moraine Lake, one of the most recognizable destinations within the Canadian Rockies. Set at the mouth of the Valley of Ten Peaks, the azure waters of the lake border today's trail to Eiffel Lake. Hike along Moraine's shoreline, gradually climbing through stands of evergreen trees but still getting peek-a-boo views of the lake and surrounding peaks. Eventually you'll clear the lower forest and break out into gorgeous high alpine terrain. On the final leg, you are surrounded by smatterings of larch trees, wildflowers, and the towering Ten Peaks, reaching Eiffel Lake, where you'll enjoy a well-deserved picnic lunch. For your final evening in the Canadian Rockies, you will board gondolas and ride up the mountain for a celebratory dinner with jaw-dropping views.
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Follow Trails to Lake Agnes Tea House & Depart
1.5-hour private van transfer
6.5 miles/3-4 hours hiking with 1,560' elevation gain and loss
A short walk from Lake Louise takes you to the start of today's hike. With its clear waters, lovely views, and idyllic setting, Lake Agnes provides a postcard-perfect image of the Canadian Rockies. You'll have the extra treat of visiting the Lake Agnes Tea House, which since 1905 has been serving backcountry travelers a menu of teas and snacks in the high alpine. While you'll enjoy your picnic lunch along a quieter part of Lake Agnes' shores, there will be time for those who want to indulge in a Tea House treat. Later this afternoon, shuttle back to Banff where you'll say your final farewells to new friends and the beautiful Canadian Rockies.
(B, L)
